Do i have to reinstall windows for a new MOBO?
- Thread starter sammyssb
- Start date
I've changed motherboards without re-installing Windows 7 - it updated the drivers and was OK. But, it might not always work, and I think it's different now with UEFI BIOS. Probably can't hurt to try. If it doesn't work, then re-install.
resurrection64
Honorable
- Mar 12, 2013
- 141
- 0
- 10,710
Dark Lord of Tech
Retired Moderator
- Aug 18, 2009
- 128,615
- 1,779
- 159,590
OEM or retail windows?
With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8 0EM you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.
OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:
- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel
- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on
- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard
- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system
Microsoft.com ^
OEM vs. Retail
OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:
The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.
Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.
Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.
OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.
Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.
As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).
sevenforums.com
Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.
License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx
With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8 0EM you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.
OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:
- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel
- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on
- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard
- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system
Microsoft.com ^
OEM vs. Retail
OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:
The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.
Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.
Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.
OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.
Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.
As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).
sevenforums.com
Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.
License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx
OEM or retail windows?
With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8 0EM you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.
OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:
- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel
- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on
- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard
- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system
Microsoft.com ^
OEM vs. Retail
OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:
The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.
Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.
Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.
OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.
Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.
As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).
sevenforums.com
Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.
License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx
With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8 0EM you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.
OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:
- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel
- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on
- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard
- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system
Microsoft.com ^
OEM vs. Retail
OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:
The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.
Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.
Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.
OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.
Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.
As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).
sevenforums.com
Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.
License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx
i have an oem version. so am i just out of luck?
Dark Lord of Tech
Retired Moderator
- Aug 18, 2009
- 128,615
- 1,779
- 159,590
I've found that stuff like that works depending on how closely related the chipsets on the motherboards are.
For example, upgrading from a Intel P35-based motherboard to a P45-based board would likely work (I've done this, from an Abit IP35-E to a Gigabyte EP45-UD3LR), but switching from Intel Z77 to AMD 990FX wouldn't.
However, there is also the legality involved in licensing, as SR-71 covered. I used a retail edition, so I would be covered.
Casey
Dark Lord of Tech
Retired Moderator
- Aug 18, 2009
- 128,615
- 1,779
- 159,590
resurrection64
Honorable
- Mar 12, 2013
- 141
- 0
- 10,710
Dark Lord of Tech
Retired Moderator
- Aug 18, 2009
- 128,615
- 1,779
- 159,590
Give the automated phone activation option a try , sometimes if it's close to the configuration it will activate .
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html
Dark Lord of Tech
Retired Moderator
- Aug 18, 2009
- 128,615
- 1,779
- 159,590
Yes , as many as you want on the same computer , with Windows 8.
You can even transfer Windows 8 OEM license to another computer , but only 1 computer at a time.
You can even transfer Windows 8 OEM license to another computer , but only 1 computer at a time.
resurrection64
Honorable
- Mar 12, 2013
- 141
- 0
- 10,710
Thanks. So if I got malware, for example, i could just reinstall Windows 8?
Also, how would you deactivate Windows 8 on my current build to another?
Dark Lord of Tech
Retired Moderator
- Aug 18, 2009
- 128,615
- 1,779
- 159,590
Yes , if you have a virus or malware issues , or whatever , you can reinstall it as many times as you want.
Dark Lord of Tech
Retired Moderator
- Aug 18, 2009
- 128,615
- 1,779
- 159,590
You can only have the license active on 1 computer at a time , if you go online with the same license , they will become non genuine.
resurrection64
Honorable
- Mar 12, 2013
- 141
- 0
- 10,710
Thanks.
I know that if i reinsert my CD and reinstall, Windows performs a "quick format". Would this get deactivate Windows and allow me to reactivate it?
I know that if i reinsert my CD and reinstall, Windows performs a "quick format". Would this get deactivate Windows and allow me to reactivate it?
Dark Lord of Tech
Retired Moderator
- Aug 18, 2009
- 128,615
- 1,779
- 159,590
resurrection64
Honorable
- Mar 12, 2013
- 141
- 0
- 10,710
TRENDING THREADS
-
-
News Firefox user loses 7,470 opened tabs saved over two years after they can’t restore browsing session- Started by Admin
- Replies: 58
-
Question Looking to upgrade my pc for more video and photo editing with light gaming.
- Started by fuzmaster
- Replies: 3
-
News Apple debuts M4 processor in new iPad Pros with 38 TOPS on neural engine
- Started by Admin
- Replies: 80
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram